Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Three Babson Founders Make BostInno’s 25 Under 25 List
A line of non-toxic cleaning products, software to help co-workers bond in a post-COVID workplace, and a platform that helps businesses attract customers with prize-winning games—these are the Babson-born businesses that earned three students spots on BostInno’s 25 Under 25 list.
BostInno named Ford Cousin ’25, co-founder of Cheers Cash, Chloe Samaha ’25, who started BOND to help workers reconnect, and Anastacia Yefimenko ’25, creator of the sustainable cleaning product line Elcove, in the 2024 version of its annual 25 Under 25 list. The prominent list honors startup founders, community organizers, software programmers, and others who’ve shown initiative and made a positive impact in Greater Boston.
Here’s a look at the three Babson students on the list and their reactions on LinkedIn:
Ford Cousin ‘25
Cousin, who co-founded Cheers Cash, sought to add a little fun into the shopping experience by helping companies craft promotional giveaways to draw new shoppers.
“Cousin was instrumental in launching the company and shaping the product to attract early customers and investors,” BostInno wrote.
The platform focuses on sports and other pop culture predictive events. Shoppers place an order and pick the outcome of a game or event. If their choice wins, they will receive a percentage of their purchase as a gift card.
“Excited to be named to the BostInno 25-under-25,” wrote Cousin on his LinkedIn page. “Thank you to all who have helped shape what Cheers Cash is today! I specifically want to thank Gerri Randlett, Blank Center, and the many Babson College Alumni that have shared incredible insights and helped us navigate pivots. We are just getting started. Cheers!”
Chloe Samaha ‘25
Calling Samaha “a lifelong problem solver,” BostInno described Samaha’s venture, BOND, as a leadership tool for managers to help tackle workplace inefficiencies. Samaha won Babson’s signature B.E.T.A. Challenge as an undergraduate last year, along with a $10,000 Stephen H. Kramer ’92 and Michael London ’92 Award.
“At 21, Samaha has already raised over $100k through pitch competitions and grants and sees no reason why the sky can’t be the limit,” BostInno wrote. “By 25, Samaha wants to establish BOND as the premier global leadership training tool, start an investment firm focused on female-led ventures, and, oh yeah, skydive in over 50 different drop zones.”
A grateful Samaha said in her LinkedIn post that she is keeping her eye on the future.
“It feels amazing to have BOND recognized alongside so many other amazing ventures and entrepreneurs,” Samaha wrote. “We’ve got so much more to build and grow—let’s keep pushing boundaries.”
Anastacia Yefimenko ’25
A lifelong frustration with asthma and allergies drove Yefimenko to create Elcove, a line of zero-waste, toxin-free cleaning products. The company not only earned her a spot in the 2023 B.E.T.A. Challenge, but she also leveraged her LinkedIn network to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign on the platform Indiegogo.
“I am beyond honored to be recognized as one of BostInno’s 25 under 25! Having Elcove acknowledged alongside such remarkable founders is truly a dream come true,” wrote Yefimenko. “This journey began at Babson College, and the past few years have taught me so much about myself and my company. The support I’ve received from this amazing community has surpassed my wildest dreams, providing opportunities I never thought I would have.”
Yefimenko wants to make Elcove a household name, and it all started with a simple mission.
“Yefimenko wants to free people from the myriad allergic reactions caused by chemicals in everyday house cleaners while keeping the products accessible,” BostInno wrote.
Yefimenko, who also took part in Babson’s prestigious Summer Venture Program, said her mentors and supporters have been vital as she continues to build Elcove.
“Your belief in me has been essential to this journey, and I am truly grateful for each of you,” Yefimenko wrote. “I am excited for what else is to come!”
Posted in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Outcomes
